Monday, June 14, 2010

Act Two

EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - MINUTES LATERHuge pine trees arch somberly over the group as they walk together toward the walls of the valley.EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - LATERClimbing carefully up the steep trail along the side of Vernal Falls, Jo turns around to watch the light shaft through mist in the canyon.JOIt's so beautiful.Just up ahead on the trail, Dylan sits looking at the same view, waiting for the group.DYLANI wish I could get everybody to hike up here and experience this.EXT. CAMPGROUND - SAMEJan lies motionless in the green glow of her tent. The faint traces of a smile still grace her lips.EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - LATERRising incongruously out of the mountain, Half Dome looms above the group.Jo hikes with Donna, tracing their way over slabs of rock.DONNAWhere in England are you from?JOBrighton. It's south of London on the coast.DONNAWhat's growing up on the beach in England like? Your family must be well off.Jo laughs to herself and shakes her head.JONot at all.Dylan comes up from behind them, walking quickly.DONNABeen to the beach in England, Dylan?DYLANFreezing cold and covered with rocks... Beautiful though.Jo looks sideways at him.JOWhat's so beautiful about it?Dylan shrugs.DYLANMist on the water, or...JOMy parents were both hotel workers when they were working. Mum made beds and washed the sheets... We lived in a grimy, cold little house behind town.DONNASounds dismal.JOIt was.DYLANSo you came to America the beautiful?Jo smiles sheepishly.JOAt least it's warm here.Dylan puts a hand on her shoulder.DYLANIt's summer.EXT. CAMPGROUND - LATERAkiko sits in the cooking tent alone. She eats a bowl of regular sized shredded wheat. First she pours the milk, sprinkles sugar, then picks a piece up with her fingers and tries to fit it in her small mouth. EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - SAMEThe group is scattered along the trail through sub-alpine, gnarled pines. Dylan and Donna hike alongside each other. DONNAYou know, that really affected me; what Jan said last night. I didn't think she had even noticed us... much less liked us.DYLANMaybe it was us that hadn't noticed her.Donna looks back at Kim and Jackie hiking together.DYLAN (cont'd)I've noticed that you haven't used your tent much lately.She smiles, and picks up the pace.DONNAI don't know what you're talking about.EXT. CAMPGROUND - LATERAkiko stands at Jan's tent in the loose afternoon sunlight.AKIKOJan...She waits a second. She makes a motion to zip open the tent, but stops.AKIKO (cont'd)Jan! I go to... She motions walking with her fingers, but struggles finding the word.AKIKO (cont'd)Jan, I go...She gives up on waking Jan, shoulders her backpack, and walks toward the Merced.EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - LATERJust a cable ladder goes up the side of a solid granite wall. Jo is slack-jawed.JOWe go up this?INT. JAN'S TENT - SAMEThe calm burble of the Merced and the sound of birds in the trees fill Jan's tent as she lies there motionless.INT. VISITOR'S CENTER - LATERAkiko cruises through the gift shop. She looks at knickknacks, then pulls a long-sleeved shirt off the rack. It reads, "Top of the World - Climb the Rock."

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO CAR RENTAL - SAMEThad looks up at the strange towers atop twin peaks as he stands in the waiting area of a car rental parking lot. He has a map of California opened up as the ATTENDANT stops in front of him and hands him car keys. ATTENDANTIt's about a four hour drive. You may want to wait and start in the morning.

EXT. TOP OF HALF DOME - SAMEKim and Jackie stand a few feet from the edge, with their arms above their heads. The valley is laid out below them.KIMI feel like I'm flying.Dolf comes up behind them.DOLFWe can see our camp from here, see that group of trees there.Donna lies on her stomach nearby, peering over the edge.Auke and Dylan sit, legs dangling over the precipitous drop.AUKEI can't believe we made it all that way in a day.DYLANWe still have to make it all the way back.Jo and Pablo rush up from behind, getting on their knees at the edge to give Auke and Dylan hugs.JOCongratulations, you guys.DYLANCongratulations. We all made it.Donna rolls over, looking at the view upsidedown, a wicked grin on her face.DONNAHow would it be to jump?EXT. CAMPGROUND - MINUTES LATERAkiko, in her "Top of the World" shirt, comes back to camp.She walks to the breakfast tent, and looks inside.AKIKOJan?A little confused, she looks around, and calls out.AKIKO (cont'd)Jan?!INT. JAN'S TENT - SAMEAkiko's shadow looms on Jan's tent flap as she struggles with the zipper.AKIKOYou... okay, Jan?With the zipper half undone, she sticks her face in through the opening.Jan lies there, dead, still smiling.Akiko screams. She falls away from the tent, landing in the dust.Still screaming, she gets up and runs off, leaving Jan in silence. EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - MINUTES LATERNevada Falls mist blows across the group, descending along a narrow trail in the side of the valley wall.EXT. RANGER STATION - MINUTES LATERAkiko stands outside the ranger station, tears streaming down her face, talking a mile a minute in Japanese. TWO RANGERS stand over her shaking their heads, not understanding, looking helplessly at each other.INT. JAN'S TENT - LATERPeaceful green light dimly illuminates the chain hanging from the inside peak of Jan's tent. EXT. CAMPGROUND - SAMEWalking down the flat trail along the valley floor leading to camp, the group is in high spirits.Donna, out in front, comes around a tree on the edge of the trail, feeling the bark with her hand.DONNAYou should come and visit New Zealand some time. The nature there is beautiful, too.DOLFThe Netherlands is pretty, but we have nothing there like this.Running up the trail, Akiko comes into view, panting, out of breath, and terrified. Her eyes are huge as she yells:AKIKODonna!She motions hysterically, but still can't find the words.AKIKO (cont'd)Donna! Dylan!Donna breaks into a run.DONNASomething must have happened. Dylan!Dylan starts running behind her.DYLANWhat's wrong?DONNAI don't know, but she is scared to death.The group, behind them, breaks into a trot.DYLANNobody panic! Camp is just down the trail.Akiko runs full tilt down the trail.EXT. CAMPGROUND - SAMEThe first one to reach camp is Dylan. He sprints in, but is then confused by the relative calm.Akiko and Donna run in just behind him.DYLANWhat's wrong? Where is Jan? Where are the Germans?Akiko grabs Dylan's hand and pulls him to Jan's tent.DONNAIt's Jan. Akiko, what's wrong with Jan?Akiko stops Dylan in front of Jan's tent, pointing and motioning for him to open it. Dylan looks confused. Donna starts to unzip Jan's tent-flap, but as she peers inside.... she stops cold.DYLANIs it some kind of animal? Where is Jan? Is she in there?DONNAOh my God...She drops to her knees. Dylan swiftly unzips the rest of the flap and starts to climb inside.DYLANJan. Jan... What's wrong?Dylan gets inside, up next to Jan. She lies there, still smiling faintly. He listens to her chest for some sign of life, but gives up immediately. She is cold. Outside the tent there is the sound of Donna beginning to cry.DYLAN (cont'd)Oh, God. Oh, God.Dylan looks around, then reaches up into the peak of the tent and takes Jan's mother's ring down from where it still sparkles in the diffuse light. He wraps the chain carefully around her hand and tucks the ring into her palm.EXT. CAMPGROUND - LATERWind brushes through the pine trees, sending birds flying through the camp.Everyone is gathered around Jan's tent, speaking in hushed tones.Jo, across the small campsite, is on her cell phone, very distressed, talking a mile a minute.JONo! We can't bring her down there. She isn't breathing!... No, don't you understand anything. She is lying in her tent not breathing.She listens to the other side for a second, then throws down her hands in frustration, slamming her cell phone shut. Tears begin rolling down her cheek.Dylan breaks off from the group.DYLANWhat happened?JOThey're no fucking help. They told me to bring her there in the morning, or to drive to the ER.EXT. MERCED RIVER FOOTBRIDGE - SUNSETDonna sobs on Dolf's shoulder, shaking. They sit on a small wooden footbridge over The Merced.The group, minus the Germans, sits, dangling their feet. They stare at the water flowing past. Jackie has a handful of stones which she tosses one at a time in the river.JACKIEI can't believe she's dead.PABLOWhat about her family?JOShe didn't have a family.PABLOWhat do you mean?JOHer mother is dead, father a heavy alcoholic... Her uncle molested her when she was little... should I go on?Dylan weighs a stone in his hand; throws it in the water.DYLANHow do you know all that?KIMWe have a lot of time in the back of the van while you're driving.DYLANThere must be something we can do for her... some way to give her some dignity... more dignity than she'd have being... What happens to people with no family when they die?JORight now, nothing. They won't even send an ambulance down here to look at her.She takes her cell phone out, but Dylan waves her off.DYLANDon't worry. I'll take her down there myself in the morning.DOLFThey get cremated in The Netherlands. First, nailed into a pine box and, then, cremated in a government crematorium. Dylan looks sideways at him.DYLANThat's a pretty big word for someone from Holland.DOLFI've studied English since I was three years old.EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHTThe campfire burns steadily, illuminating the group seated around it.Donna still has small tears rolling off her cheek in the firelight.DYLANI've just never had this happen before.Pablo has a bottle of rum out, and he passes it to Dylan. Dylan shakes his head, concentrating. He's got on his sweater Jan made him.JOShe'll be cremated by strangers...Pablo passes the bottle to Dolf on his other side.KIMI know what we have to do.Dolf gulps the last of the rum and, frustrated, throws the bottle into the fire.DOLFThere is nothing that we can do! She is dead! Don't you understand?He gets up and storms away into the darkness.Donna gets up to follow him into the chilly Yosemite night.KIMI mean Alaska!The rest of the group looks at her, disturbed and confused.PABLOWhat the hell are you talking about?Dylan suddenly looks determined as he stands up.DYLANI think I know what she means.He starts to walk, slowly, around the fire.DYLAN (cont'd)Remember last night... Jan said that she'd always wanted to go to Glacier Bay in Alaska.There's a long silence. Jackie stares into the flames.JACKIEMost of us are doomed to die without fulfilling our dreams.DYLANNo! It doesn't have to be that way! Right now we have the chance to make a stand for the way it should be. Maybe Jan died for a reason... maybe she died to show us that... that together we can make dreams come true. Not just for her, but for us!JACKIEShe's dead, Dylan. The Germans are asleep. What are you getting at?Pablo jumps up, exited.PABLOLet him talk! DYLANThere's twenty-three hundred dollars left in the trip fund. If you can all change your tickets...They all try to speak at once.JOOh no, Dylan... You can't be suggesting that we go to Alaska!DYLANWhy not? Let's take her to Glacier Bay.Silence falls over the campsite as they all stare at each other over the flames.AUKELet's take her to Glacier Bay.PABLOLet's go to Alaska.EXT. CAMPGROUND - SUNRISEIn the early light of dawn, Pablo and Dylan are taking down the last of Jan's tent. The campsite is quiet all around them, and they work silently, whispering.They remove the last tent pole and spread the tent out flat. Jan is still inside, a long lump down the middle.DYLANNow fold it over carefully.They fold the flattened tent over Jan's body once from the left, then once from the right.PABLOI'll get the bungie cords.He runs off toward the van.Dylan carefully takes the tent's outer rain cover from the pile of poles and spreads it on the ground next to Jan's wrapped outline. Pablo comes back with four bungie cords from the van.DYLANAre you ready?PABLOYeah...Pablo pumps his arms a couple of times and takes a deep breath. They bend deep and pick her up, struggling with the awkward shape as they place it on the spread-out tarp. Dylan deliberately takes each side of the tarp and wraps her in another layer; then he holds up her feet as Pablo wraps one, then another bungie cord around to secure it.They then repeat the process on the other end.DYLANAlright... let's wake the others...EXT. VAN - LATERAs the trek van drives back up the twisting, forested entrance road climbing out of Yosemite Valley, the wind blows at the bulging blue tarp on the luggage rack. The tarp ripples in the air as the van picks up speed, and the rear corner slowly works its way loose.It flips back momentarily to reveal Jan's rolled up green tent, strapped to the back left corner, with Jan inside.A white economy car passes the trek van as it goes into a corner and heads up the hill.INT. ECONOMY CAR - SAMEIn the economy car, Thad drives the opposite direction, gawking at the valley walls above him, but totally oblivious to the trek van that just passed. He unfolds a visitor's map on the passenger seat.INT. VAN - SAMEDolf looks nervously out the window, as Heinrich leans up between the two seats.HEINRICHWhy do we leave so early? Do we have a stop in Death Valley on the way to Vegas?Dylan shrugs.DYLANActually we're headed north.DOLFI can't believe you put her on the roof.He cradles his head in his hands. Donna pats his back and puts her arm around him protectively.DONNAIt's the only place she could go. We don't have room in here for her all wrapped up like that. It'll be okay.HEIDIAm I to understand that you did not take her body to the hospital?DONNAWe're taking her north with us.HEINRICHDylan? This is wrong.Dylan ignores him. In the front of the van Auke sits with the road map spread out on her lap. She concentrates on it, running her finger along a red highway route.AUKEIt's best if you stay on 120 for now, then switch to the 16, then in Sacramento get on the 5 North.Dylan looks nervously in the rearview mirror, but smiles.DYLANYou read that map pretty well.AUKEI've been looking at maps of California for months while James took his nap.Heinrich puts his hand on the map, making Auke turn toward him.HEINRICHWe are headed to Oregon?AUKEThrough Oregon.DYLANI'm alright getting into British Columbia, but after that I'll need a lot of help. Look at the B.C./ Alaska border for me.Auke looks again, then raises the map, showing Pablo and Jo in the first row seat. Jackie and Kim lean up from the second row, so they can see also. The Germans just gawk.AUKESee, Glacier Bay is not far from Canada... We can cross the border here... only a couple hours drive from the Park, but we could also take the ferry from Prince Rupert.JACKIEIt looks like a long way to me either way.Dylan sneaks a look as he drives.DYLANIt is. Jo, have you added up the money?HEINRICHWe won't stand for this, Dylan.

EXT. UPPER PINES CAMPSITE, YOSEMITE - LATERAt the campsite entrance, Thad talks to the RANGER on duty.He holds a picture of Jan, but the ranger just shakes her head. Then he holds up a page torn from Jan's travel brochure showing a trek van with its telltale blue tarp.The Ranger nods pointing back down the valley, indicating to her watch that they left early this morning. RANGERSaw them heading north around 7 am.

EXT. HWY 5 - LATERRacing up highway 5, the trek van blows past other cars on the road in the early afternoon light.The van swerves past an SUV doing at least 80, and barrels down the road.On the roadside, hidden behind a row of tall bushes, a Highway Patrol car watches as the van flies by.Quickly, the patrol car starts its engine and peels out of its hiding place. INT. VAN - SAMEDylan is concentrating on the road as he negotiates passing another car. He looks over at Auke, asleep in the passenger seat, and smiles.Pablo leans in between the front seats.PABLOYou're lucky.DYLANWhat do you mean?Pablo nods in Auke's direction.PABLOShe really likes you.Dylan keeps his eyes on the road.DYLANYeah?... I think she does... What about you? Pablo glances at Jo, sleeping against the window.PABLOI'm not sure if I'm lucky... but, she is beautiful.Dylan glances up into the rear-view. In the mirror, red and blue lights flash, coming up fast behind them. Heinrich sits forward, rubbing his eyes.DYLANOh, shit.HEINRICHFinally, some authority.EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD, HWY 5 - SAMEThe van sits stopped in a fresh cloud of dust as a HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER closes his door and strides up behind.As he walks toward the back of the van, a gust of wind pushes the roof-tarp back just enough to reveal Jan's wrapped up body, strapped to the rack. He comes to the window and takes a deep breath. Inside, the passengers stare back with wide, petrified eyes. Dylan smiles and holds out his license.OFFICERYou're in quite a hurry there, mister.Heinrich tries to stick his head through Dylan's window. HEINRICHOfficer, I must inform you...OFFICER--Son, I'm speaking to the driver.HEINRICHBut, really you...OFFICER--Son, shut up before you get yourself in trouble. Now, like I said, you're in quite some hurry there.DYLANWe have a friend who died, and we're late for the funeral.The Officer steps back and looks at the bulging tarp on the roof-rack, then takes Dylan's license. OFFICERSir, I'm going to have to ask you to step out of the vehicle.A stifled gasp goes up from inside the van as Dylan opens the door and gets out. DYLANYes, Officer.The highway patrolman leads Dylan to the rear corner of the van before turning and looking him up and down.OFFICERThe people in your vehicle look mighty upset.He pins Dylan with a steeled gaze. Above the officer's head, the wind blows the tarp back again exposing the wrapped up tent with Jan's body in it.DYLANYes, they are, sir.The patrolman takes another deep breath.OFFICERI've seen ten people die just this year along this stretch of road because of drivers like you.He hands Dylan his license back.OFFICER (cont'd)I should write you a fat ticket right now, but your friends look like they're having a hard enough day without it. Dylan tries not to look shocked.DYLANThank you, officer.OFFICERNow, get those people on their way... but if I see you driving like that in my county again I'll drag your ass to jail for reckless endangerment. Understood?DYLANYes, sir.The patrolman turns and stalks back to his car, leaving Dylan looking up at the sky to thank God.

INT. THAD'S RENTAL CAR - SAME.Thad races up Hwy. 16. He looks out the window as he passes a sign that reads: Sacramento, next 12 exits.

INT. HWY 5 DINER - LATER.A WAITRESS carefully balances five dishes as she picks her way through a crowded roadside diner. She arrives at the trek group's table and begins to set the plates down in front of them.HEIDIWe should have turned you in.DYLANYou tried.WAITRESSWho had the steak and eggs?Pablo raises his hand, laughing.PABLOI can't believe what you said to that policeman, Dylan.DONNAWe thought he was going to arrest you. We've all seen American cop shows.KIMWe actually had a vote.Dylan takes his plate as the waitress hands it across the table.DYLANOn whether to keep going?Kim shakes her head, her mouth full.JACKIENo! On who was going to drive when he hauled you away.DYLANWho won?Auke throws a french fry at him.AUKEI did. I'm the only one who knows where we're going.Dylan looks around the table.DYLANShe doesn't know her right from left.Dylan gets fries thrown at him from all around the table.EXT. DINER - MINUTES LATERComing out of the door of the diner, Kim and Jackie walk with their arms around one another. The others trickle out the door behind and follow them across the parking lot.KIMThis has all made me realize how precious it is to have you.JACKIEWell, you have me, beautiful.Jackie kisses her on the neck.KIMYou really think I'm beautiful?She kisses her on the neck again.JACKIEWhat do you think?They reach the van and Kim pushes Jackie up against it.KIMI think I need to kiss you to find out.They begin to kiss passionately, Kim pushing even harder up against Jackie, when Kim recoils suddenly backwards.KIM (cont'd)Oh my God... What is that smell? Jackie sniffs at the air. Her eyes go wide, then she also backs away from the van.JACKIEI think it's Jan.KIMDylan!EXT. HWY 5 - MINUTES LATERDylan grips the wheel, his knuckles white with tension. DYLANSo she smells a little.Kim is freaking out in the back. She yells up at Dylan.KIMShe is decomposing on the roof, Dylan!HEINRICHThe smell will only get worse until her body is put on ice.Dolf is slumped in the window seat of the third row.DOLFIf we get pulled over again... with her like... that... we'll all go to jail.The van erupts with passengers arguing.Out the front window is the sign for the I-80 to San Francisco and the I-5 to Sacramento. A Gas-food-lodging sign also flies by and Dylan swerves toward the exit. EXT. MINI-MARKET - MINUTES LATERThe whole group streams out of the doors of the market with 20 lb. bags of ice in their arms. EXT. HWY 5 - LATERThe van races up the 5, past a sign reading "Ashland, Oregon: 180 miles."

INT. THAD'S RENTAL CAR - SAMEThad drives while looking at the road map spread out on the seat. He looks down the road, then scans the gauges.The gas gauge is on empty.Outside the front window the sign for the I-80 / I-5 split flies by. The gas-food-lodging sign sweeps by and Thad makes for the exit ramp.EXT. MINI-MARKET - SAMEThad stands at the counter paying for gas. The STATION EMPLOYEE chuckles to himself.STATION EMPLOYEESummer kicks in and we sure do hear a lot of foreign accents round here.THADI've just come from Yosemite.STATION EMPLOYEEThat's where they're all goin' to or comin' from. I had a big group in here just a little while ago.Thad's ears perk up and he looks around instinctually.THADWere they in a big white van?STATION EMPLOYEEYep, they kept talking about Alaska. Bought me clean out of ice.

INT. VAN - SUNSETIn the back of the van, everyone sleeps: Kim curls against Jackie; Akiko is wrapped in blanket; Jo lies in Pablo's lap as his head lolls on the seat-back; Dolf and Donna lean on each other; and the Germans cuddle pathetically.Auke flips through the CDs in the passenger seat as Dylan drives along-side the sunset. AUKEI think the stress is getting to everyone.Dylan peeks at the rearview mirror.DYLANMaybe we should stop in Seattle. We should be there by midnight.AUKEWhat could we do there?DYLANI know a hotel. We could get some real rest... that might help. Auke shrugs.AUKEI was thinking something different.Dylan looks at her with concern.DYLANWhat did you have in mind?A devilish grin steals its way across her face.AUKELet's go clubbing.EXT. HWY 5 - LATERIn the early darkness, the van flies down the highway. The headlights illuminate a sign: "Seattle - 207 miles."INT. CLUB, SEATTLE - LATERThrobbing, flashing lights pulse through the crowded room as Kim and Jackie grind against each other, dancing.Dylan dances to the pulsating music with a beautiful blonde girl. She spins around in front of him, showing off her almost nonexistent outfit. Donna and Auke come bounding through the sweaty dancing bodies over to Dylan, pulling him away from the girl, talking a mile-a-minute.DONNAWe need to ask you a question.AUKEDylan, what does acid do to you?DONNAIs it like ecstacy?He peers into their eyes.DYLANWhy are you girls asking me this?DONNAWell, we met this bloke about a half hour ago, and we got to talking... Dylan holds his head then looks, worried, around the swirling lights of the club.DYLANI have a bad feeling about this...AUKEHe gave us a hit each, but I'm not sure he was telling the truth.DONNAWe thought he was joking.DYLANWhat did it look like?DONNAIt was like a stamp...She looks to Auke for reassurance.AUKEAy. It had on it a little... how do you say?DONNALike a skull with a...AUKELightning bolt through it.DYLANOh my god... just what I need.DONNAWhat did you say? I can't hear you over the music.Dylan is already looking for the other passengers.DYLANLet's go. We need to get out of here.He grabs Auke's hand and heads across the dance floor. Donna trips over herself trying to keep up.DONNAI don't think it's working... we took it a long time ago.Auke stops, frozen in her tracks, staring, fascinated into a flashing strobe light as Dylan tries to pull her along. AUKEOh... it's so beautiful.DYLANOh, it's working.He pulls her hand harder, and she lurches along. Donna stays stuck to her spot, now staring at the same light.DYLAN (cont'd)Donna!He sees Dolf in the sweaty mass of dancers looking at him and Auke trying to figure out what is going on.DYLAN (cont'd)Dolf! Come on, get the others! We're going!EXT. CLUB, SEATTLE - LATERPablo sets the Germans' two rucksacks against the side of the brick building, runs to the waiting van and jumps in.The trek van pulls out of the club parking lot, drives past the front of the building in the heavy Seattle early a.m. moisture, then accelerates smoothly away. In the quiet, empty street, the throbbing of the rave party going on inside the club pulses steadily.After a moment, the door of the club swings wide and the two Germans rush outside, run around the side of the building, and stop dead, looking at their abandoned bags.

INT. THAD'S RENTAL CAR - SAMEThad's eyes fixate on the broken yellow line as he begins to doze and drift off toward the side of the highway.He catches himself nodding and shakes himself awake, staring at the approaching city lights. A road sign flicks by the window: "Seattle, next 10 exits."

EXT. GAS STATION ACROSS FROM CLUB, SEATTLE - LATERHeinrich stands at a pay phone on the edge of the gas station, just across from the rave club. He talks into the phone slowly, as if he's said this several times.HEINRICHI want to report the kidnapping of a dead body.He waits, listening, and examines a shady-looking Seattle GANG-BANGER hanging out on the corner.HEINRICH (cont'd)I don't know if they killed her. Danka. I'll wait.Behind him as he talks, Thad's white economy car pulls up to a pump. Thad leaves it idling, gets out and goes in.HEINRICH (cont'd)Yes. She is a white female, about twenty eight or so...The gang-banger strides quickly across the gas station, steps into Thad's running car, zips out on to the street and away.HEINRICH (cont'd)We are stranded. They left us by the side of the road when we protested. Behind them, Thad talks to the cashier. He gestures wildly, miming about the big white van as the cashier nods. HEINRICH (cont'd)I understand. We are two blocks south of Pioneer square.

EXT. BAYVIEW SP CAMPGROUND - LATERThe van's lights swing around an empty campground. Coming to a stop, Dylan opens his door first and sniffs at the night air.DYLANYosemite to Seattle in twenty-one hours... That, my intrepid travelers, is a serious day of driving.KIMYou just left them there.DYLANYep. They were going to be trouble eventually.The double doors open, and the group limps out one-by-one, looking exhausted.DOLFI still don't understand why we left the club.DYLANGet some rest, Dolf.Pablo climbs up on the roof to throw sleeping bags down.Dylan peers inside the almost empty van. In the back row, Auke and Donna sit spellbound by their own hands, passing them back and forth in front of their faces.DYLAN (cont'd)No sleep for us tonight, girls.This breaks them out of their reverie, and they begin to creep, confused, out of the van.DYLAN (cont'd)Do you still have that third one?Auke opens her locket. A small square of paper drops into his hand.

EXT. CLUB, SEATTLE - SAMEA squad car's lights spin red, white and blue. In the lights, the Germans talk to two SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS.HEIDIShe is wrapped in a tent.SEATTLE POLICEThey have her in a tent in the vehicle?HEINRICHNo, She is wrapped in a tent and strapped to the roof-rack with the rest of the luggage.Thad walks along the sidewalk behind them, toward the police car.SEATTLE POLICEWe'll get a call in to the border and put a car out scouting right now. What kind of vehicle were they in? Thad comes to within earshot, then stops next to the squad car. The Germans still talk to the two officers.HEIDIThey are in a big white van.HEINRICHFord. With a blue tarp on the top.SEATTLE POLICENow how do you know they are headed for the border?From beside the police car, Thad listens intently.HEINRICHThey have been talking about it all day since we left Yosemite. They want to take her to Alaska.

EXT. PUGET SOUND - LATERDylan, Auke, and Donna walk hand in hand down the beach, watching the moonlight play on the water.AUKEIt sparkles! It sparkles just for me.Donna smiles at the thought.DONNAThe sparkle is you.DYLANYes... Yes!Donna spins around and around, holding out her hands, looking up in the dark sky.DONNAThe sparkles are from God.Dylan takes her hands and they spin each other, then he grabs Auke and the three of them link hands, spinning and spinning.AUKEI'm floating... I'm floating...DONNAThe sparkle in me and the sparkle in you are the same.AUKEIt's lifting me up...DONNAI feel it.They spin faster, stumbling, holding each other's hands.AUKEIt's taking me...Suddenly, they all trip over each other, sprawling across the rocky beach in different directions.Auke drops to her knees on the beach cobbles. AUKE (cont'd)Oh my god... she's dead... she's dead.She buries her face in her hands and cries, sobbing. Dylan crouches down next to her.DYLANJan's dead... but I can still feel her... all around me.Auke looks up suddenly and stares into his moonlit eyes.AUKEYou can?DONNAI can feel her, too. She is still here. Part of her is still here.EXT. U.S. / CANADIAN BOARDER - MORNINGA Washington Highway Patrol car is nosed in at one of the white kiosks on the U.S. border checkpoint. The PATROL OFFICER walks toward his car with a CUSTOMS AGENT.PATROL OFFICERIf they were headed for the border they would have crossed hours ago.CUSTOMS AGENTI know how these things are. You need to at least put on a good show.PATROL OFFICERWe try to help Seattle PD as much as we can, but we had two guys up all night trolling the 5 between here and the city. I sent 'em home an hour ago.CUSTOMS AGENTWell thanks for letting us off the hook anyway. My guys have enough to do without looking at every tour bus that comes through.Behind them, as the Officer gets into his car, the trek van pulls through the far kiosk and rolls innocuously through towards Canada. EXT. CANADIAN BORDER - SAMEThe Canadian border looks almost friendly, with flags of both countries fluttering in the wind as they drive up a marked lane to the checkpoint.EXT. CHECKPOINT - SAMEAs the van rolls up to the CANADIAN MOUNTIE at the checkpoint, Dylan sticks his head out of the window, unconsciously checking that the roof tarp is on securely.INT. VAN - SAMEPablo collects passports from everyone and hands them to Dylan as the Mountie approaches the window.MOUNTIEWelcome to Canada.DYLANThank you.MOUNTIEDo you have any firearms, produce or drugs in the van?DYLANNo, sir.He takes the stack of passports from Dylan's hand and glances at them briefly.MOUNTIEWhat's the purpose of your visit?DYLANCamping. We're headed to Banff.The Mountie hands the passports back.MOUNTIEBeautiful time of year. Enjoy your trip.He steps aside and waves them through.DYLANI love Canada.EXT. CANADIAN BORDER - MINUTES LATERA CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL walks swiftly out of the door of the main building and toward the checkpoint kiosks.He approaches the kiosk that Dylan just drove through and hands the Mountie there an official looking document.MOUNTIEWhat's this?CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIALIt's a vehicle seizure order.MOUNTIEI know what it is. I mean it's five hours old.CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIALWe had to wait until the old man got in at Eight for a signature.The Mountie reads further down the order.MOUNTIETransporting a dead body?CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIALWeird ones come from Seattle.MOUNTIENot the first one I've seen.CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIALJust keep an eye out. Last thing we need is some crazy American up here dumping a stiff.MOUNTIEI'd put in a call to Vancouver.CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIALWhy?MOUNTIEI waved 'em through 'bout fifteen minutes ago.INT. VAN - LATERDylan drives Canada's Hwy 1 and sneaks a quick look at Auke in the passenger seat. She points to a place on the map.AUKEHere?Dylan nods, then raises his voice for the whole group to hear. Auke gets Jo's cell phone and hands it to him.DYLANSince we skipped Vancouver, I think we should raft the Thompson River this afternoon.DOLFNo way.DYLANThe trek groups always raft the Thompson when they pass through here. I have a good friend there.KIMAre you nuts?DYLANYou came to see this continent! We can't stop living because Jan died. She would want us to do this.AUKEAkiko isn't afraid. Are you?Akiko looks up, having no idea what Auke just said.DONNAJan would want us to live. Right now living means facing that river... like Lois and Clark.DOLFNo, that was a television show. Louis and Clark were the explorers that took canoes down the Colombia River.Pablo gives Dolf five.KIMIt's not that we don't want to go but...JACKIEIf we leave her in the sun all day she'll reek!KIMThere's no way we can leave her in a parking lot all day on a day like this.DYLANWell, we can't go then. Shit.He stops, thinking, then starts dialing the phone.DYLAN (cont'd)If I can park over near the river...Jackie reaches over the seat and grabs his shoulder.JACKIEYou're not thinking that we take her with us.DYLANOtherwise we can't go... We can't afford to let her out of our sight.PABLOThe tent she's wrapped in is waterproof. What's the big deal?INT. VAN - LATERDylan pulls into a gravel lot next to the Thompson. Kim leans over the third row seat, still worrying.KIMWhat if it leaks?PABLOIt won't leak.KIMBut, she's on ice. We can't take her off the ice.DYLANThe river is freezing cold.Dylan rolls the van to a momentary stop.KIMFreezing cold?Pablo ignores her, opens his door, and jumps out.PABLOI'll help with the raft.DYLANWe'll spin around and get as close to the water as possible.Jackie glares at Dylan in the rearview mirror.EXT. THOMPSON RIVER - LATERThe group busily pulls their gear off the roof rack.A tall, rough-looking Canadian, BRIAN, walks up with two oars slung over his shoulder.BRIANDylan?DYLANBrian! It's good to see you alive after that last night in Vancouver. How's the river?BRIANThe Thompson is running strong. It's stronger than that last time you were here for sure. There may be some class fours in there today. I was surprised to get your call. Why can't I tell Nick?Dylan puts his arm around Brian, ignoring his question.DYLANEveryone, this is Brian. He'll be our guide today on the Thompson River.Some of the group look up and gesture hello as they shuffle their stuff off the roof. BRIANWe'll leave whenever you guys are ready. I've got wet-suits and booties.EXT. THOMPSON RIVER RAFT LAUNCH - LATERThe Australian girls squeeze themselves into their wet-suits and booties while the other passengers load the raft.Dylan and Auke stand near them arguing in hushed tones.AUKEAre you sure this is safe?All suited up, Dolf and Pablo struggle to pick up the bag containing Jan's body and begin half carrying, half dragging her toward the raft.DYLANAuke, don't worry. We've traveled a long way. We need to get out of the van and have a little adventure. She peers nervously at the boys hefting Jan into the raft.AUKEThis might be a little too much adventure for me.DYLANShe'll be fine.Brian is busy pulling wet-suits out of a big duffle bag.BRIANI have a large left for you Dylan. Auke? Are you coming with us? Auke looks back and forth between them, worried.AUKEYa, I'm coming.BRIANThat a girl. Here, I have a small for you and a pair of booties. You won't regret it.She walks over to him and takes the suit, looking over her shoulder at the raft being loaded.AUKEI better not.Brian follows her gaze over to the raft as the boys slide the body bag into the center.BRIANHey, Dylan. What's in the huge bag? I haven't seen that one before.Dylan steps between him and the raft, blocking his view.DYLANIt's picnic gear.Brian peers over Dylan's shoulder at it again.BRIANMust be a drag carting that load around.DYLANNah, you know me. I'll do anything to make the trip memorable for them.He sneaks a quick peek at it.DYLAN (cont'd)Besides, it travels easy. We just toss it on the roof and forget about it.EXT. RIVER - LATERThe smooth flow of the Thompson is flanked by a rough and beautiful valley. A bright red raft floats down the center.The passengers ring the raft, sitting on the inflated pontoon as it floats down calm water. EXT. RIVER - TEN MINUTES LATERBrian stands in the middle of the raft holding two huge oars into the wild, bucking river as the passengers around the edge hold on for dear life.BRIANGet ready! Here comes another one!Water gushes over everyone as the raft bucks over a rapid.KIMI'm going to kill you, Dylan!Rapids are everywhere, sending water in a roller-coaster pattern over rocks and boulders, but for a moment the raft glides through a calm piece.Pablo shakes the water from his soaking wet hair.PABLOThis is great!JOI can't believe how powerful the river is.The raft bucks again as Brian takes tighter hold of the oars.BRIANHere we go again!The rapids grab hold of the raft and bounce it over another boulder.DYLANHold on, this one's big!EXT. RIVER - SAMEThe raft is pulled into a huge rolling slab of water as everyone struggles to hold on.BRIANGrab hold!He pushes the oars in hard, trying to keep their raft under control, but it spins sideways suddenly as everyone screams.Sickeningly, the raft is swallowed in a huge spray of water and then slammed into a boulder sideways.It tips up and almost goes over. Brian throws himself against the side of the raft just in time to right it, but bodies fly off into the flow of the river.Dylan is hanging on the outside of the raft as Jan's body is washed past him in the flow. Auke, still inside the raft, starts screaming.AUKEDylan! Get her!He sees Jan for just a moment before she disappears in the rapids, then he lets go to follow her.EXT. RAFT - SAMEPablo struggles his way back into the raft. Kim and Jackie already hang on the other side coughing water.PABLOYou girls all right?Kim manages to get one leg over as the raft bucks through another rapid. Jo and Donna are still in the raft, and they start to help her in. Auke looks intently down the river.Suddenly Kim starts screaming, pointing.KIMShe's gone! She's gone!The others turn to look where she points, but Jan's body isn't there.PABLOOh my god!BRIANIt's just camp gear! Don't freak out!Pablo stands, scanning the river as Brian steers over yet another boil.PABLOThere she is.Downstream, Jan's wrapped body is suddenly visible for just a moment before it plunges into another rapid and disappears.KIMWhere's Dylan?Auke, standing in the raft, points.AUKEThere!EXT. RAPIDS - SAMEDylan is in the flow of the rapids, swimming deliriously towards Jan's wrapped, floating body. Water rushes over his head as he struggles in the current. He comes up coughing, but pushes on even harder. The yelling voices of the rest of the group can be heard over the waves, urging him forward.DYLANHold on, Jan.Dylan strokes hard, but is grabbed by the current and yanked under the froth.Jan's body is tossed mercilessly by the river as it is hurled downstream. The noise of the river is like thunder. Suddenly, Dolf surfaces next to Jan. He wraps an arm around her feet and secures his grip by holding a bungie cord.DOLFI've got you.They are tossed together over several more rapids, Dolf wrestling to hold on, until the surface calms slightly.The cheers of the group come over the water as he digs in and strokes hard for the bank.At the edge of the river he grabs a tree root sticking out into the flow and holds fast.DOLF (cont'd)We're safe now, Jan.Emerging from the froth, Dylan begins to flow past, struggling hard against the current to reach the bank.DOLF (cont'd)Dylan!Dolf wraps one of the bungie cords around the tree root and holds his arm out for Dylan to grab. Dylan, quickly getting sucked under by the flow, sees Dolf's hand and latches on, clawing his way to the root.DYLANIs she okay?

INT. MOUNTIE PATROL CAR - SAMEDriving past the Thompson in a Mountie patrol car, SGT. LADETROIS stares down at the red raft going by in the flow. He strokes his thick mustache. After twenty years on the force he casts a calm eye at the rough waters.SGT. LADETROISThompson's rough today.The MOUNTIE in the driver's seat next to him looks over at the scene.MOUNTIEThey flip her over?SGT. LADETROISLooks like it. Looks cold.Sgt. LaDetrois leans back, tipping his hat over his eyes.SGT. LADETROIS (cont'd)Prince George is a long way still. Wake me when we're getting up towards Williams Lake and thereabouts.

EXT. VAN - LATER In the parking lot, Pablo is on the roof putting the last of the luggage back in order, then pulling the tarp back over and securing the corners to the rack.Hair still wet, the group, now in their clothes, climbs back in the van. Kim puts her arm around Dylan.KIMThat was awesome, Dylan. I've never done anything that wild.Behind them, Dolf gets a hug from Jackie.JACKIEBut, Dolf is the hero.Dolf looks a little perplexed.DOLFWhitewater rafting is a rush.DYLANSo, you want to go again?DOLFSure.JACKIENo.Donna walks up from the raft-shack by the river's edge.DONNAReady to go?

INT. BRITISH COLOMBIA MOUNTIE DETACHMENT - SAMEA fax machine churns out a single sheet of paper. At the top it reads: Bulletin! Walking by the fax, a Mountie grabs the paper and walks it in to the next room.In the room several Mounties work with communications equipment. He hands it to a COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, who switches on his mike. He sets down the piece of paper: A photo of Dylan at the border is on it. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERAPB Alert. Attention, this is an APB Alert for a white Ford van driven by a Caucasian male approximately twenty-five years of age in connection with a suspected murder. Last seen at the southern border, headed north. Believed to be heading for the border with Alaska. There are several passengers in the van. Use extreme caution, they are believed to be armed and dangerous.

EXT. CANADIAN HWY 97 - THAT NIGHTThe trek van roars along the Caribou Highway, deeper into British Columbia. Two huge totem poles tower in the darkness lit from below along the side of the road.INT. VAN - SAMEDylan has a look of determination in his eyes as he squints down the darkening road.KIMYou told him!?DYLANI had to tell him... He could see it wasn't picnic gear!DOLF--but what if he does say something? We will all go to jail!DONNAShut up, Dolf! Brian won't say anything. DOLFHow do we know he won't?DONNAWe have a little arrangement.Donna sits back in the second row with her arms crossed and a smug expression on her face.Dylan whirls his head around and raises both eyebrows.DOLFWhat?DONNAWe have an understanding.Dylan starts to laugh, letting go of the wheel and clapping his hands together in appreciation.DYLANWe were only there another fifteen minutes!Donna nods proudly.DONNAI'm quick and I'm good.DOLFThat's disgusting!Kim leans up over the seat and joins in.KIMI can't believe you would do such a thing with Jan's body not more than twenty feet away.The van erupts with everyone yelling their opinions over the seats.JOYou should talk.DONNAIf I hadn't done it we would all be sitting in a Canadian jail right now.Dylan looks back at Donna with a smile.DYLANDonna, you are my hero.

EXT. CANADIAN HWY 97 - SUNRISEThe trek van races into the first rays of the sunrise.Standing alongside of the road in the morning is a lone hitchhiker. The van blows by him as he holds his thumb out, waving madly for them to stop: It's Thad, Jan's brother. Thad runs after the van for twenty yards or so, gives up, then watches it drive away.